About the Author

Rabbi Yaakov Salomon, C.S.W. is a noted psychotherapist, in private practice in Brooklyn, N.Y. for over 25 years. He is a Senior Lecturer and the Creative Director of Aish Hatorah's Discovery Productions. He is also an editor and author for the Artscroll Publishing Series and a member of the Kollel of Yeshiva Torah Vodaath.

In these marvelous stories -- brimming with wit, understanding, a touch of irony and a large helping of authentic Torah perspective -- we will walk with a renowned and experienced psychotherapist and popular author through the pathways of contemporary life: its crowded sidewalks, its pedestrian malls, and the occasional dead end street. This is a walk through our lives that will be fun, entertaining -- and eye-opening. In our full -- sometimes overfull -- and complex lives, Yaakov Salomon is a welcome and much-needed voice of sanity and reason.

His speaking, writing and musical talents have delighted audiences from Harvard to Broadway and everything in between. Rabbi Salomon shares his life with his wife, Temmy, and their unpredictable family.

The opinions expressed in the comment section are the personal views of the commenters. Comments are moderated, so please keep it civil.

Visitor Comments: 10

(10)
Margarita,
March 14, 2007 7:12 AM

safe environment

I just want to point out something: just because I have a TV and let my children watch it doesn't mean that my house is not a safe environment. Knowing how to filter the information, remembering the difference between show and reality is very important. Our children G-d please will grow up, they should know how to deal with the real world. TV doesn't do it, we make our choices.

(9)
Dvirah,
February 28, 2007 4:46 PM

Put the Blame Where It Belongs

While I agree with Rabbi Salomon's conclusion, I would like to point out that the issue isn't really TV, but our choices. After all, one can also choose to read books with violent or pornographic content and be influenced by them. So it point is not having the TV but chosing what to watch; not having Internet access but deciding what to access - and so on with almost everything we chose to experience. TV, Internet, books - all of these are just tools. It is up to us to use them wisely.

(8)
Kathleen Mallette,
February 27, 2007 3:21 PM

Re Salomon says: 24 & the FBI

Just thought Rabbi Salomon might like to know that he's not the only one without TV. I actually have one, but it is not hooked up to an antenna or cable. The only thing I use it for is to watch DVD, and VCR teachings on the Bible. Good for you. Sincerely, Kathy Mallette

(7)
Glenn Harbison,
February 27, 2007 12:26 PM

agreement on media bombardment and influence

The media bombardment....I have seen it likened to the Great Flood of Noah's time. Either you have personal boundaries for the flood of media that's always around us, or you get washed away. Don't take anything for truth until you have also "packed for the voyage" an opinion from both sides.

(6)
J.D. Adam,
February 27, 2007 11:17 AM

Television influence is primarily a hughe distraction.

Thank you! You stated my first thoughts when I heard this report on "24". My second thought; they are looking for someone else to blame! Hollywood is the great "ususal suspect" in each regime who hides their deeds in the darkness. For the rest of us, it is suppose to be just entertainment...or is it...just propaganda?

(5)
Judith Levy,
February 27, 2007 10:33 AM

This is about television

Dear Rabbi Solomon, I watch all your videos and I do find them interesting and insightful. However, I do believe that there is much to gain by having a television set. While I watch very little tv, there are some interesting and entertaining shows. There is always the news and local weather reports. There is also Channel 13 with their interesting PBS shows as well as travelogues and cooking shows with new recipe information. On many channels there are also older movies that are shown. I am an avid reader, and since I grew up mostly without tv as a youngster, I feel it is used too much by young people and parents as babysitters. However, in my opinion the positive aspects of owning a tv outweigh the negative. After all, as an adult you can always turn the set off. Sincerely yours, Judith Levy

(4)
alejandro,
February 27, 2007 1:35 AM

I do not owned a TV set either

Dear Rabbi

Although i am not a religious JEW - i do not owned a tv set either, and i must admit - it has change my life, i read more, i do more sports, i have more time for my family my friends, the people i love-- and of course for me!

thank you for aish web site, thank you for all the hours you spend in front of a camara!!

(3)
martin nerl,
February 26, 2007 6:26 PM

i'm not a doctor but i play one on tv

another great message from the rabbiwhats next? harvard medical schoolmeeting with the producers of ER?when will chrysler or ford meet with the producers of MY MOTHER THE CAR? i can already hear the complaints, why doesn't my car talk to me? no wonder there was such an outpouring of griefafter BARBARRO's death.anybody rememberMR ED? keep it up rabbi of course,of course

(2)
lisa klein,
February 25, 2007 6:04 PM

I hope I am influenced by the internet

Hi Rabbi,

Yes I hope I am influenced by the internet...the Aish.com web site is what I am talking about!!!! Y'all are gr8...& cover such a wide spectrum of topics.....keep it up & I will hopefully keep being influenced by the internet!!!!!!

(1)
Marleen Perret,
February 25, 2007 4:20 PM

influences

My dear Father always told me to look away from all ugliness, "because the eyes are the windows of the mind and anything you see will never be erased from your mind. So set before yourself all the goodness and beauty you can and avoid what is evil or ugly." My Father's idea of "ugly" was anything evil or impure.